Toyota receives double win for AJAC green vehicle awards
Electric, alternative energy and general green vehicles and technology are all the rage these days, with automaker’s announcing new products at an increasing rate. Each year, members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) evaluate the latest examples of cars and crossovers demonstrating a high level of fuel efficiency, as well as overall drivability, recognizing one model from each category as the Canadian Green Car or Utility Vehicle of the Year.
Factors taken into consideration include range, recharge/refuel time, price and more. Traditional gasoline offerings are looked as well, if they possess exceptional fuel saving attributes. This year, Toyota Canada walked away a double winner taking home both awards for the 2017 Toyota Prius and RAV4 Hybrid.
“Toyota is committed to maintaining its leadership position in designing, engineering and building environmentally-advanced vehicles that meet the many demands of today’s drivers — which is why the 2017 Prius sets new standards for efficiency and emissions even as it provides owners with more style and driving fun,” said Cyril Dimitris, Toyota Canada vice president. “We’re delighted that members of AJAC agree.
The Prius is now in its fourth generation, boasting cutting edge design and an advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain consisting of a 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle engine and electric motor mated to a continuously variable transmission. Total output is 121 horsepower and fuel consumption is rated at 4.5 L/100 km.
Similarly, the current fourth-gen RAV4 also uses Hybrid Synergy Drive, but features a larger-displacement 2.5 L four-cylinder powerplant and generates a net 194 horsepower with a fuel economy rating of 7.3 L/100 km. Both vehicles can travel short distances running on pure electricity, are built on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, and include the standard Safety Sense P package bundling a full suite of collision mitigation systems.
